Indonesia is a country with diverse cultures and languages. One of the unique languages spoken in Indonesia is Javanese. Javanese is not only spoken in Java island but also in other parts of Indonesia such as Bali and Lombok. However, Javanese has different levels of politeness that are called “Kromo” which means polite and “Alus” which means refined. In this article, we will discuss Kromo Alus and how to translate it.
What is Kromo Alus?
Kromo Alus is a Javanese language that is used to show respect and politeness. It is used when talking to elders, people in higher positions, or people who are not familiar with each other. Kromo Alus has different levels of politeness, from the lowest level to the highest level. The highest level of Kromo Alus is used when talking to the king or queen.
Why is Kromo Alus important?
Kromo Alus is an important aspect of Javanese culture. It is a way to show respect to others and maintain harmony in social relationships. It is also a way to maintain the hierarchy in Javanese society. Javanese people believe that using Kromo Alus can help them to get closer to God and to achieve inner peace.
How to Translate Kromo Alus
Translating Kromo Alus can be tricky because it has different levels of politeness that cannot be translated directly into other languages. However, here are some tips on how to translate Kromo Alus:
1. Use formal language: When translating Kromo Alus, use formal language instead of informal language. Formal language is more polite and respectful.
2. Use honorifics: Honorifics are words that show respect to others. In Javanese, honorifics are used to show respect to elders, people in higher positions, or people who are not familiar with each other. When translating Kromo Alus, use honorifics such as “Bapak” (father), “Ibu” (mother), “Mbak” (sister), “Mas” (brother), or “Pak” (sir).
3. Use polite words: Use polite words when translating Kromo Alus. Polite words are words that show respect and politeness. For example, use “Permisi” (excuse me) instead of “Maaf” (sorry).
4. Use indirect language: When translating Kromo Alus, use indirect language instead of direct language. Indirect language is more polite and respectful. For example, instead of saying “Can you do this for me?”, say “If it’s not too much trouble, would you mind doing this for me?”
5. Use passive voice: When translating Kromo Alus, use passive voice instead of active voice. Passive voice is more polite and respectful. For example, instead of saying “I will do this for you”, say “This will be done for you.”
Examples of Kromo Alus Translations
Here are some examples of Kromo Alus translations:
1. Kromo Alus: “Nuwun sewu, matur nuwun, keneh maring Bapak lan Ibu.”
Translation: “Excuse me, thank you, may I come to you, Sir and Madam.”
2. Kromo Alus: “Sugeng enjing, kersaning bakti, sampun lumayan, nanging mugi-mugi kersaning rahayu.”
Translation: “Good morning, serving your pleasure, it has been enough, but hopefully serving prosperity.”
3. Kromo Alus: “Matur nuwun, sami-sami, dalem ati, saged sareng-sareng.”
Translation: “Thank you, you’re welcome, from the bottom of my heart, let’s do it together.”
Conclusion
Kromo Alus is an important aspect of Javanese culture. It is a way to show respect to others and maintain harmony in social relationships. Translating Kromo Alus can be tricky, but by using formal language, honorifics, polite words, indirect language, and passive voice, we can translate Kromo Alus in a polite and respectful way. If you want to learn more about Javanese culture, learning Kromo Alus is a good start.
